96: The Self-Reliant Motorcycle Traveler
Image: Sam Manicom - DS Motorcycle with a leaking drive shaft in Chile.
ARR RAW round-table discussions with motorcycle adventure travellers - featuring Grant Johnson, Sam Manicom, Shirley Hardy-Rix, Brian Rix, Michelle Lamphere and Jim Martin.
RAW LISTENER QUESTIONS: Have a question for the RAW panel? Send it to us here.
Image: Sam Manicom - Clutch Cable
Image: Sam Manicom - Clutch Cable Mod
Being self-reliant can be likened to having insurance—an ability to take care of oneself if things go awry. There's nothing inherently wrong with accepting help; it's a human instinct, and in the context of motorcycle travel, assistance often leads to friendship and discovery.
However, it raises the question of wisdom and responsibility to travel as a dependent, relying too much on others. Being dependent means leaning on those around you—be they strangers, travel companions, or friends. While they may offer help, which is entirely human, true assistance shines when unforeseen issues arise, despite the operator's preparation for potential challenges.
The purest form of help occurs when someone has taken reasonable necessary preparations beforehand, yet still finds themselves unable to navigate a situation alone. This contrasts with neglecting self-reliance and relying on others to compensate for one's shortcomings.
In this episode of RAW, we discuss ways to become a self-reliant traveler with topics including camping and accommodations, route planning, financial preparedness and repairs, and more.
Image: Sam Manicom - Michelle Lamphere jokingly sticking out her thumb out for a ride last summer when her bike was overheating in Wyoming.
Image: Michelle Lamphere - Motorcycle coolant leak while riding with Sam Manicom in Wyoming.
Image: Michelle Lamphere - Sam Manicom to the rescue in Wyoming.
Image: Michelle Lamphere - Roadside tire repair in Rio Tranquilo Chile on the Careterra Austral this past March.
LINKS:
Sam Manicom:
Universal Repair Motorcycle Clutch Throttle
Many thanks to this month’s top supporters!
Gregory Dietz
Jason Hill
Andre Blum
Paul Braiden
Robert Rogers
Peter Ardern
Barking Moon Farm
Mike McClure from Tom's Cycle and Power Products
John Ciribassi from Emmaus MotoTours